Paralegal
Job Description:Paralegals prepare legal documents, organise case files, and carry out research.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could work for many kinds of employer, including law firms, private companies, the not-for-profit-sector, local or central government, the police and the courts. You’ll usually specialise in one area of legal work.
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- researching and preparing legal documents
- handling confidential information
- interviewing clients and witnesses
- giving clients legal information
- going to court
- handling a caseload of clients
- following instructions
- general office tasks
Skills:
You’ll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to read English
- excellent verbal communication skills
- excellent written communication skills
- administration & organisational skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in law, legal studies or paralegal practice.
There’s a lot of competition for places on law degrees, so you’ll need good grades in your entry qualifications.
College
You could take a college course before you look for work. UK Courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Legal Studies
- CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice
- NALP Level 3 Diploma in Paralegal Practice
Apprenticeship
You could take a paralegal advanced apprenticeship.
This typically takes 24 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study.
Work
You may be able to find work with a legal practice as an admin assistant and do training on the job to qualify.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, in an office. At busy times you may need to work longer. You may travel to meet clients or go to court.
Career Path & Progression:
With further study, you could qualify as a legal executive or solicitor.